State Highway 1 Blenheim roundabout resurfacing to begin next month

State highway summer maintenance continues in Marlborough with two busy Blenheim roundabouts to be resealed early next month.

The State Highway 1/State Highway 6 Nelson Street roundabout will be the first to be resurfaced with night works planned from Sunday, 2 February until Tuesday, 4 February, between 7 pm and 5 am.

During this time the roundabout will be closed to all traffic to allow for asphalting work to be carried out and a local road detour will be in place.

Contractors will then carry out night works on the State Highway 1 Main Street roundabout from Sunday, 9 February, until Wednesday, 12 February, between 7 pm and 5 am.

During this time the roundabout will be closed to all traffic to allow asphalting work to be completed and the same local detour route will be in place.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says the work is deliberately planned to coincide with State Highway 1 Weld Pass night closures.

“Most southbound traffic will be using the inland route. It means fewer vehicles will be using State Highway 1 through Blenheim. This way the resealing work affects fewer drivers.”

Mr Owen says because State Highway 1 through Blenheim is a busy arterial route, it is essential it is maintained and kept up to standard for all road users.

“To ensure the roundabout resealing is more durable, asphalt will be used. It is a longer lasting solution that provides a stronger road. It also reduces the amount of future maintenance needed, meaning fewer disruptions for drivers.”

A local road detour will be in place for all traffic in both directions via Alabama Road, Battys Road, Nelson Street, Hutcheson Street and Lansdowne Street. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.

Once asphalting work is complete, road markings will be reinstated under night works with stop/go controls and a 30 km/h speed limit.

Mr Owen says the roundabout resealing will create some disruption and delays.

“Given it is in the heart of Blenheim, some impact on drivers is unavoidable. But contractors will do their best to minimise this as much as they can. However, people travelling through Blenheim can expect delays and should allow extra time for their journeys.”

“We have other state highway maintenance works underway in Marlborough as well. Please, check our NZTA Journey Planner before you travel so you are up-to-date on the latest road conditions, “ Mr Owen says.

NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

Works details

State Highway 1, Grove Road / State Highway 6, Nelson Street roundabout

• Sunday, 2 February to Tuesday, 4 February. 7 pm and 5 am.
• Full road closure at the Pitchill Street, Lane Street (on Dillon’s Point Road), Auckland Street and Bomford Street intersections before the roundabout.
• Local road detour in both directions for all vehicles, including heavies, via Alabama Road, Battys Road, Nelson Street, Hutcheson Street and Lansdowne Street. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.
• No access to the northern end of the Blenheim Railway Station during work hours. Access to the carpark will be via the southern end (Horton Street) only.
• Access will be available for emergency services.
• A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place during the day outside of work hours. Road users must follow the instructions of contractors and obey all temporary speed limits and traffic controls.

State Highway 1, Main Street roundabout

• Sunday, 9 February to Wednesday, 12 February. 7 pm and 5 am.
• Full road closure at the Alfred Street, Freswick Street, Kinross Street, Symons Street and Park Terrace intersections before the roundabout.
• Local road detour in both directions for all vehicles, including heavies, via Alabama Road, Battys Road, Nelson Street, Hutcheson Street and Lansdowne Street. This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time.
• Access will be available for emergency services.
• A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place during the day outside of work hours. Road users must follow the instructions of contractors and obey all temporary speed limits and traffic controls.

More Information:

• This work is part of the $147 million 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme investment in state highways for the top of the South Island.
• Top of the South Regional Summary: Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough [PDF, 230 KB]
• State Highway Maintenance – FAQs
• Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)